On Course: ALRA

ALRA (The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts) has a proven commitment to providing the highest quality acting and directing training and has been based in London for over 40 years and in Wigan for the last decade.

With an international reputation for providing comprehensive, rigorous training, ALRA is one of the top destinations for students wishing to follow a career as an actor, with training that includes acting for camera from the very first week. Students study all of the elements required to work as a professional actor today. ALRA is proud to work at the highest possible standards expected of the industry as a member of CDMT, FDS, and GuildHE as well as being QAA reviewed and designated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The Academy also has silver status in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Courses offered

ALRA offers comprehensive training for actors and directors with the following choice of courses:

• Foundation Acting Diploma (1 Year)
• BA (Hons) Acting (3 Years)
• MA/Post Graduate Acting (15 Months)
• MA Directing (2 Year. ALRA North only)
• MFA Linklater Teaching Practice (Voice and Theatre Arts)
• MA Teaching (Creative Performance Practice)

Course content overview

ALRA's Foundation Diploma in Acting gives students an insight into conservatoire actor training and preparation for working in the industry – designed for those wishing to pursue professional training at a higher level. The Foundation Course has an excellent record for student progression in to higher level Drama School courses.

The BA (Hons) Acting and MA Acting programmes train professional actors for today's theatre, screen and audio industries. Combining practical actor training with theoretical study and research methodologies, this vocational course aims to equip you for a highly competitive artistic industry.

The MA/PG Acting course encompasses most aspects of a drama school BA (Hons) Acting course but is delivered at a fast-tracked pace. Both the MA and BA courses include showcases/audition panels in London and Manchester, regardless of which campus you study at.

Fees, bursaries, and other finance information

Course fees differ depending on which campus you choose to study at. As part of the Dance and Drama Scheme through an association with Trinity College London, students on the BA and MA Acting courses can apply for full bursaries and help with living and accommodation costs.

Accommodation options

ALRA does not provide on-site accommodation. Students normally group together to rent privately in the surrounding areas.

Entry requirements

You don't need any formal qualifications and the entry requirements vary depending on the course applied for. Exceptional ability and/or considerable life/work experience can be taken into consideration.

All ALRA Courses: Applicants should be at least 18 years old at the start of the course, although ALRA welcomes older students, especially those who are thinking about a career change. If English is not your first language you must be fluent in English. You may be asked for proof of this. We need a level 6.5 in the IELTS (International English Language Test System).

Application method

Apply directly to the Academy via the online application system from October.

Audition process/preparation required

Entry is by audition/interview and applicants are selected on the basis of their aptitude and ability to contribute to and successfully complete the course. Standard audition fees start at £35 North and £45 South. Free auditions are available. Check the ‘How to Apply’ section of the website to see if you are eligible. Also, check the guidelines and videos that will help you get the most out of the experience on the ALRA website www.alra.co.uk.

Contact

See our full guide to auditions and videos that will help you get the most out of the experience on the FAQ pages of our website www.alra.co.uk.

ALRA also runs CPD for teachers and practitioners. See our page on the Northern Centre for Voice and Movement. If you have any further questions please email info@alra.co.uk or call our South campus on 020 8870 6475 or our North campus on 01942 821021. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter (@ALRADrama).